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Living Free - July 5, 2007

Today's ScriptureDon't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4:6-7 MSG

Thoughts for TodayDealing with the consequences of a loved one's problem is difficult. Pain, stress and frustration often build up to an overload level. Living in that overload condition can do harm. It can affect our emotional and physical health — virtually everything in our lives.

In order to avoid this state of overload, we must believe that there is hope. Not hope in our loved ones' ability to overcome the problem on their own. Not hope in our own ability to fix the problem. As much as we may want to, we can't take charge and make things right.

There is only one real hope — faith in Jesus Christ. Faith in his love — he cares greatly about where we are and what we need. Faith in his power — he is able to deliver us from the fears and stress. Faith in his plan for us — he has a plan for our future that will not harm us, but will prosper us.

Consider this…God won't force our loved ones to change, but he will help them when they are ready to reach out to him. In the meantime, he will comfort and strengthen us. Ask him to help you approach each day with an attitude that confidently expects him to do good things in your life and in the lives of those you care about.

PrayerFather, sometimes I really do feel as though I'm running on overload. Thank you for reminding me that I don't have to—that I'm not alone. Teach me to trust Jesus instead of being overcome with worry.

These thoughts adapted from…

Concerned Persons is designed for the many people who have a current or past relationship with a person who has a life-controlling problem. It is suggested for home groups, support groups, recovery groups or cell groups.